How to Pay for Taxis in China (2025): A Foreigner's Guide

For a complete overview of all payment options in China, please read our Ultimate Guide to Paying in China.

I still remember my first time in Shanghai, standing by a busy road with my luggage, fumbling with my wallet while the taxi driver pointed impatiently at a QR code on his dashboard. It was a stressful introduction to a system I now navigate with ease. That moment taught me a valuable lesson: figuring out how to pay for a taxi in China can be more confusing than reading the meter.

But it doesn't have to be. This guide is designed to help you skip that stress. We'll break down all the payment methods, tell you which one is best, and ensure you're prepared for every situation, from the city centers of Beijing to the quieter streets of Guilin.

Method 1 (Recommended): Ride-Hailing Apps like Didi

For 95% of travelers, this is the gold standard. Didi (滴滴出行) is China's equivalent of Uber or Grab. By setting it up correctly, you eliminate almost all payment friction.

Why It's the Best Option:

• Cashless & Automatic: You can link most international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx) directly to the app. The fare is charged automatically at the end of the ride. No scanning, no cash, no fuss.
• Upfront Pricing: The app gives you a fare estimate before you book, so you know exactly what you're paying. This eliminates any worries about the meter being run unnecessarily.
• Clear Communication: The app has a built-in translation feature to communicate basic instructions to your driver. It also shows the driver your exact destination, overcoming any language barriers.
• Safety: All trips are tracked, and the app records the driver's name and license plate number, adding a significant layer of security.

How to Set It Up:

1. Download the 'Didi - Greater China' app from your app store before you arrive.
2. Sign up using your home mobile number. You'll receive an SMS for verification.
3. Go to the 'Wallet' or 'Payment' section and add your international credit card as a payment method. See which cards work.
4. You're all set! When you're in China, just open the app, enter your destination, and choose your service level.

Method 2: Mobile Payments (Alipay & WeChat Pay)

This is the most common payment method used by locals and is your best bet when you hail a taxi directly from the street.

How It Works:

Almost every licensed taxi driver has a personal QR code sticker pasted somewhere on the dashboard or on the back of the passenger seat headrest. At the end of your trip, you simply scan this code to pay the amount shown on the meter.

Step-by-Step Payment Process:

1. The ride ends, and the driver shows you the final fare on the meter (e.g., 28 RMB).
2. Open either Alipay or WeChat Pay on your phone.
3. Tap the 'Scan' function.
4. Point your phone's camera at the driver's QR code.
5. Your app will prompt you to enter the payment amount. You must manually type in the fare from the meter.
6. Enter your payment password or use Face ID to confirm.
7. Show the confirmation screen to the driver. They'll usually get an instant audio notification on their own phone.

Crucial Tip: Make sure you have your Alipay and WeChat Pay accounts set up and linked to your bank card before you get in the taxi. Don't be the person trying to figure out verification codes while the driver waits.

Method 3: Cash (Your Essential Backup)

While China is incredibly digitized, believing you can survive entirely without cash is a classic traveler's mistake. Cash is your ultimate backup plan.

When You'll Absolutely Need Cash:

• Technology Fails: Your phone battery dies. You don't have an internet connection in a basement garage. The payment app has a sudden glitch. Your foreign bank temporarily blocks the transaction. In these moments, cash is king.
• Smaller Cities/Rural Areas: While less common now, you might still encounter an older driver in a smaller city who prefers cash.
• Toll Roads: The driver pays tolls in cash during the ride and will add this amount to your final fare. You need to pay them back for this.

We recommend always having at least 200-300 RMB in smaller bills (10s, 20s, 50s) in your wallet for these situations. It's a small step that can save you from a huge headache. See when and why you still need cash in China.

Method 4: Physical Credit Cards (The Method to Avoid)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if the driver's QR code doesn't work with my foreign account?

This can occasionally happen, as some personal QR codes are not set up to receive money from international sources. If your scan fails, don't panic. This is precisely why you have cash as a backup. Simply apologize and pay with cash instead.

Is it safe to use Didi in China?

Yes. Didi has implemented numerous safety features over the years, including trip tracking, an emergency SOS button, and mandatory driver identity verification. For most travelers, it's considered safer than hailing an unmarked or unlicensed taxi on the street.

How do I get a receipt (fāpiào)?

If you need a receipt for business expenses, you must ask for it. The word is "fāpiào" (发票, pronounced "fa-pyow"). Just say "wǒ yào fāpiào" (我要发票 - I want a receipt). The driver will print a small, narrow receipt from their meter console. It's often impossible to get a receipt after you've already left the taxi, so ask before you get out. For digital rides, see how to get e-fapiao for subway and app rides.

Are taxis expensive in China?

Compared to Western countries, taxis in China are very affordable. Fares vary by city, but a typical 15-20 minute ride in a city like Shanghai or Beijing will rarely cost more than $10 USD. This makes them a very convenient and cost-effective way to get around.